Yufuin Tamanoyu — Hotel in Yufu

We heard about this special ryokan from American friends who have come regularly over the years to unwind and relax. They offered it rave reviews, and based on their experience my husband and I decided to make a special trip to the area to experience the magic of Kyushu in general, and this ryokan in particular. ||||The Tamanoyu is a wonderful place – truly special, not only because of the setting of the property and its magnificent hot springs but because of the staff and how beautifully they respond to the needs of their guests.||||We happened to have stayed at the hotel for two nights at one of the most unfortunate moments – a 7.3 earthquake in the area. The hotel staff was amazing in the way they helped us to handle this natural disaster. From coming to get us from our rooms in the middle of the night, to keeping us warm and safe while the earth shook for hours, to checking on us regularly while we passed the difficult night. Despite all the shaking -- our room and the hotel did not suffer significant damage -- which in itself was a miracle. When morning came the staff did everything possible to help us to leave the area – from arranging a taxi, flight to Tokyo, and feeding us so that we would be ok on the journey back to Tokyo and then the US. Nam was especially extraordinary at every point of the way. And the hotel went the extra mile to refund one night’s lodging since the earthquake was not part of our tourist agenda. Our hearts went out to all of the staff whose own homes and lives were affected by the disaster. But we will always remember how they put their guests first. ||||Before the earthquake we experienced the most extraordinary meals and appreciated the ambiance that has made this ryokan famous. It is truly a tranquil spot, and the hot springs on the property are magnificent. We hope to return to this very special place and will always remember the care and kindness we received from the moment we checked in until we left. We extend a special...

We heard about this special ryokan from American friends who have come regularly over the years to unwind and relax. They offered it rave reviews, and based on their experience my husband and I decided to make a special trip to the area to experience the magic of Kyushu in general, and this ryokan in particular. ||||The Tamanoyu is a wonderful place – truly special, not only because of the setting of the property and its magnificent hot springs but because of the staff and how beautifully they respond to the needs of their guests.||||We happened to have stayed at the hotel for two nights at one of the most unfortunate moments – a 7.3 earthquake in the area. The hotel staff was amazing in the way they helped us to handle this natural disaster. From coming to get us from our rooms in the middle of the night, to keeping us warm and safe while the earth shook for hours, to checking on us regularly while we passed the difficult night. Despite all the shaking -- our room and the hotel did not suffer significant damage -- which in itself was a miracle. When morning came the staff did everything possible to help us to leave the area – from arranging a taxi, flight to Tokyo, and feeding us so that we would be ok on the journey back to Tokyo and then the US. Nam was especially extraordinary at every point of the way. And the hotel went the extra mile to refund one night’s lodging since the earthquake was not part of our tourist agenda. Our hearts went out to all of the staff whose own homes and lives were affected by the disaster. But we will always remember how they put their guests first. ||||Before the earthquake we experienced the most extraordinary meals and appreciated the ambiance that has made this ryokan famous. It is truly a tranquil spot, and the hot springs on the property are magnificent. We hope to return to this very special place and will always remember the care and kindness we received from the moment we checked in until we left. We extend a special...

Been to a fair number of onsen hotels myself and this one stands out for all the right reasons. Every bit of the hotel is an exquisite blend of traditional Japanese meet western countryside. Upon arrival you are warmly welcomed from your car, your luggage carried to your room whilst you are ushered to the beautiful reception lounge for a cup of tea and sweet cake. After unwinding you are then brought to your own room (which is in fact a standalone villa- with own balcony, living room and sleeping area). There is an in-room wood tub with hot springs water so you can enjoy a good soak in the comfort and privacy of your own room. We also took a peek at the public bath, which also has an outdoor section, but given the in room bath is so nice already I had no incentive to go to the public bath. ||FOOD: Price is inclusive of dinner and breakfast. Love the fact that dinner can be served until as late as 8pm (ensuing breakfast at 9am, which is quite late by Japanese ryokan standards). Meals served in the main restaurant - as is typical of onsen ryokan kaiseki meals we were STUFFED. The locally sourced ingredients ensured that all dishes were bursting with freshness. Love especially the rice cooked in clay pots. ||SERVICE: All staff were so friendly, warm and professional- before dinner the staff called to inform us that it would be alright to eat dinner in our yukatas, during dinner when they heard we were celebrating our wedding anniversary they gave us a small gift with a card, at the end of dessert we were reminded of the weather the following day, when we were too full to finish our rice the staff suggested packing them into rice balls for you, at check out they even gave us a farewell gift.||All in all I would say this is one fantastic onsen hotel that you would hate to miss if you can spare the cash, it is well worth...